GOP senator Collins backs Sotomayor

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, one of the Senate’s dwindling band of moderate Republicans, became the fourth GOP senator to say she will vote to confirm Judge Sonya Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Judge Sotomayor has impressive legal experience, has excelled throughout her life, and is a tremendously accomplished person,” Collins said in a statement.

Collins noted that she doesn’t agree with Sotomayor on everything, but added: “I believe she will serve our country honorably and well on the Supreme Court.”

Sotomayor is the fourth woman ever nominated by a president to the Supreme Court, and if confirmed will be the third to serve.

Long an all-male bastion – for years Sen. Margaret Chase Smith, R-Maine, was the only woman – the U.S. Senate includes 17 women among its members. Washington, California and Maine are each represented by two women senators.